The Kamani Auditorium in Delhi resonated with the soulful strains of Indian classical music as the Mohan Brothers, Shri Lakshay Mohan on Sitar and Shri Aayush Mohan on Sarod, took the stage for an evening of “Monsoon Ragas with Mohan Brothers.” The concert, a tribute to the beauty and vitality of the monsoon season, left the audience spellbound, showcasing the brothers’ mastery over the sitar and sarod.

The concert, a tribute to the beauty and vitality of the monsoon season, left the audience spellbound, showcasing the brothers’ mastery over the Sitar and Sarod.

Shri Lakshay Mohan and Shri Aayush Mohan are today considered as one of the finest exponents of Sitar and Sarod on the Global Indian Classical Music Scenario. The Times of India describes them as having “Supreme Talent” and “Immense Craftsmanship”. They are the first Indians to be invited to perform at the Grammy Museum, Los Angeles. The Mohan Brothers were nominated for the Global Indian Music Academy Awards for the Best Classical Instrumentalists in 2016.

They have performed across the globe at various prestigious venues and festivals. These include the Royal Festival Hall-London, Symphony Space- New York, Berklee College of Music- Boston, Musical Instrument Museum- Phoenix , Central Conservatory of Music- China, National Centre for Performing Arts- Mumbai and Serendipity Arts Festival-Goa.

The event was graced by the presence of the esteemed Kathak dancer, Padmashri Shovana Narayan, as the chief guest. Taking the stage, she spoke warmly about the Mohan Brothers, praising their exceptional talent and dedication to Indian classical music. She highlighted how their music beautifully captured the essence of the monsoon season, seamlessly blending tradition with creativity. Her words added a layer of appreciation to the evening, making the concert a truly memorable experience for all present.

The evening began with an invocation to the rains through the captivating Raag Miyan Ki Malhar, a quintessential Monsoon Raga that instantly set the mood. The intricate interplay between the Sitar and Sarod created a tapestry of sounds that evoked the imagery of the first drops of rain kissing the earth, the rising fragrance, and the serene ambience of a rain-soaked evening.

As the concert progressed, the duet continued to explore the depths of various other ragas associated with the monsoon, each one revealing a different facet of the season.

Raga Megh was next in Dhamaar taal. The composition evoked a majestic mood with the accompaniment of Pakhawaj. The duo’s performance of Raag Megh in Dhamaar taal was a standout moment. The Mohan Brothers skillfully navigated the intricate 14-beat cycle of Dhamaar, creating a rhythmically complex yet deeply evocative rendition of the raga.

Their mastery over the sitar and sarod was evident as they brought out the majestic and serene qualities of Raag Megh, capturing the mood of the gathering clouds and impending rain.

Their final rendition of Raag Des was particularly memorable, as it beautifully captured the joy and celebration that the monsoon brings to the Indian landscape. The duo’s improvisations and jugalbandi were nothing short of mesmerizing, displaying their deep understanding of each other’s musical nuances and a shared passion for their craft.

The audience, a mix of seasoned classical music aficionados and new listeners, was visibly moved by the performance. The Mohan Brothers’ ability to convey the essence of each raga, blending tradition with innovation, was highly appreciated. The concert also featured a brilliant tabla accompaniment that perfectly complemented the stringed instruments, adding to the overall richness of the performance.

“Monsoon Ragas” was more than just a concert; it was an immersive experience that transported the audience to a world where music and nature intertwined seamlessly. The event concluded with a standing ovation, as the Mohan Brothers left the stage, their music lingering in the hearts of all those present.

This evening at Kamani Auditorium was a testament to the enduring power of Indian classical music and its ability to evoke emotions, painting vivid pictures with every note. “Monsoon Ragas” with the Mohan Brothers was indeed a musical journey through the season of showers, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who was fortunate enough to attend.